RESUMEN
Background: Iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anaemia are associated with oxidative stress, but their role is largely unclear. Information is scarce on the effects of iron supplementation on biomarkers of oxidative stress in humans.
Aims: This study evaluated the effectiveness of iron supplementation and nutrition education on improving the levels of haemoglobin and ferritin, and decreasing oxidative stress among iron-deficient female adolescents in Gaza, Palestine.
Methods: A total 131 iron-deficient female adolescents were recruited and allocated randomly into 3 different groups. The iron supplementation group [A] received 200 mg of ferrous fumarate weekly during the 3-month intervention, the iron supplementation with nutrition education group [B] received iron supplements with nutrition education sessions, and the control group [C] did not receive any intervention. The levels of haemoglobin, ferritin and malonyl dialdehyde were measured at baseline, after 3 months [at which point the intervention was stopped], and then 3 months later. Trial registration number: ACTRN12618000960257.
Results: Haemoglobin levels increased significantly after supplementation in both groups A and B. At the follow-up stage [3 months after stopping the intervention], iron and haemoglobin levels in group B continued to increase and malonyl dialdehyde decreased. In Group A, haemoglobin, ferritin and malonyl dialdehyde levels decreased after 3 months of stopping the intervention. No changes were seen in Group C.
Conclusions: A nutrition programme should be adopted and integrated into comprehensive intervention programmes to target iron-deficiency anaemia among female adolescents in Palestine